Chaminade University of Honolulu

Campus Ministry

New Student Retreat

Before the fall 2019 semester got into full swing, Campus Ministry treated incoming and transfer students to a weekend retreat on the beach to make sure their welcome to Chaminade was done right.

New Student Retreat 2019

The retreat August 30 and 31 was held at a beach house in West Oahu and included lots of opportunities for play and fun — along with some chances for reflection, spiritual growth and relationship building.

Jeremiah Carter, director of Campus Ministry at Chaminade, said the gathering was designed to make sure students who are new to the Chaminade ‘ohana feel supported on campus.

“I think it’s one of the most important aspects for college students,” he said.

Carter, who started at Chaminade over the summer, is working to broaden the events Campus Ministry offers in hopes of attracting more students — along with members of the faculty and staff.

He said the retreat helped students prioritize their goals for the year and get an introduction to the Marianist philosophy, which is central to Chaminade’s mission. He said it was also a way to build friendships that have the potential to last through their college experiences — and beyond.

New Student Retreat 2019

Jacqueline Martinez ’23 was among the incoming students who attended the retreat.

Martinez, who is pursuing a degree in Communications, said the weekend allowed her to get to know her classmates better and hear from older students who are doing exciting things at the University.

“The part I enjoyed the most was how inviting the retreat staff was. Their attitudes were the main reason the retreat felt so fulfilling,” she said.

Martinez added that she’s looking forward to Campus Ministry’s next retreat.

So is International Trade student Christopher Grant DeVera Diego ’23.

Diego said the retreat was just good fun, complete with spooky stories and a bonfire.

“The retreat made me open up to many new people,” he said, “and see a side of people who I didn’t really know yet.”

Director of Campus Ministry

You might not think surfing and campus ministry go together.

Jeremiah Carter

But that probably means you haven’t met Jeremiah Carter yet.

Carter is the new director of Campus Ministry at Chaminade, and he says one of his priorities this academic year is to launch outreach activities that attract more members of the University community.

“I’m looking to try some new activities that incorporate the beauty of creation and spirituality,” he said.

So to Carter, a campus ministry-sponsored surfing outreach event makes a lot of sense. “We’re fortunate to have strong traditional faith values and growing at Chaminade,” he added. “And we hope to incorporate that in creative ways as they relate to the modern world.”

It’s little surprise, then, that one of Carter’s favorite quotes is: “New times call for new methods.”

Those words are attributed to none other than Father Chaminade, the University’s namesake.

Since joining Chaminade just before the start the 2019-20 academic year, Carter says he’s been encouraged and inspired by how departments and programs across campus seek to offer students a “holistic experience,” focusing on not just academics but on personal and spiritual growth, too.

Carter said he was particularly moved by Chaminade’s new student orientation for this fall, which included a welcome in the Mystical Rose Oratory and was followed by an ecumenical prayer. “It was for all new students to Chaminade. And with so many of us working together, I believe it was a great example to them in the spirit of building community that we strive for here,” he said.

Carter didn’t have to travel far to accept his new position at Chaminade. He comes to the University from Damien Memorial School, where he was a religion instructor. Before that, Carter was a seminarian and earned two master’s degrees at Indiana’s Saint Menrad School of Theology.

Looking ahead, Carter said he’s excited to broaden the impact of Campus Ministry.

One way he and his colleagues are building community: By blessing departments, offices, student residence halls and other gathering spots on campus. He’s even thinking about a “blessing of the cars.”

“My personal goal is to build, inspire and nurture a supportive ecumenical community of believers, strive to transform students grounded in Catholic tradition and help prepare them to make lasting contributions for our local and global communities,” Carter said. “I’m blessed to be here.”

Dean Schroeder, Minister Fineisaloi, Biology Student Ignacio Receive Founders’ Week Heritage Awards

As a highlight of Founders’ Week activities at Chaminade University, Vice President for Mission and Rector Bro. Edward Brink, S.M. presented the annual Heritage Awards to faculty and staff members and a student for their continuous commitment to Marianist values.

Receiving the Chaminade Award at the Founders’ Eucharist for exhibiting “traits of openness, hospitality, graciousness and faith in a loving God” was School of Business and Communication Dean Scott Schroeder.

“Colleagues describe Scott as gracious and welcoming,” Bro. Ed said. “His openness to new ideas and suggestions points to his collaborative style of leadership.” Students who worked with Dr. Schroeder describe him as “thoughtful, caring and approachable” and able to motivate and inspire them, Bro. Ed added.

A Marianist Educational Associate since 2014, Dr. Schroeder was a postdoctoral fellow in the Management and Leadership in Education Institute at Harvard University. He received his Ph.D. from UCLA, an M.B.A. from Arizona State University and a B.A. from Santa Clara University.

Dr. Schroeder donated the $250 cash award he received to the Accounting Student Scholarship Fund. This in memory of founding accounting faculty member and longtime Chaminade trustee James Wong, who attributed his success in life to the influence and hospitality of the Marianists dating back to his high school days.

Receiving the Marianist Award was Maimoa Fineisaloi, Minister for Peace and Justice with the Campus Ministry team. Bro. Ed praised her for “drawing others into the challenge of building a collaborative community, and commitment to the vision and mission of Chaminade University.”

“A nominator of Maimoa pointed to her work with the Feeding the Hungry program at Next Step Shelter as an example of her advocacy for justice,” Bro. Ed noted. “She is quiet and yet consistent in her efforts. She hopes to lead others to take action in support of those who are in need within our local community and beyond.”

Fineisaloi, who became a Marianist Educational Associate in 2014, earned a M.S. in Counseling Psychology and a B.A. in Psychology from Chaminade. She donated her cash award to the campus Micronesian Club and the Tales and Treats program, in which students read to children at community centers and provide them with nutritious snacks.

Presented with the Founders’ Award was student Vanessa Ignacio, who maintains a 3.4 Grade Point Average while majoring in Biology major and minoring in Chemistry. After graduating from Chaminade, Ignacio will attend A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri. She eventually intends to practice family medicine on the Big Island.

“One of Vanessa’s nominators referred to her as the ‘epitome of a servant leader’ and indicated that Vanessa was able to see the presence of God in the people who are part of her journey here at Chaminade,” Bro. Ed said.

“Vanessa knows that it is a privilege to journey with others towards God,” and friends describe her as “devoted, faithful, loving, caring, down-to earth, strong, independent and reliable.”

A member of the Eia Kou Makuahine Student Marianist Lay community, Ignacio serves as the Filipino Club social chair. She also served as a Vice President for Student Government and as Rectoress on the university’s Awakening Retreat.

Ignacio designated her cash award to support Campus Ministry, which has “given me priceless memories, unending joy and a lifetime family,” she said.

Alumna Shea Rodriguez ’16 Gives Back to her Maui Community by Helping Middle Schoolers Succeed

Shea Rodriguez (Elementary Education '16)For Chaminade University alumna Shea Rodriguez ‘16, the bachelor’s degree she earned in Elementary Education represents more than personal achievement. It’s also a way of giving back to her hometown of Wailuku, Maui.

“Growing up on the small island of Maui, I was greatly influenced by the community around me, especially those teacher figures who acted like mentors,” Rodriguez said. “Just as they helped and pushed me into success, I knew I wanted to do the same.”

Now Rodriguez is doing just that by teaching middle school mathematics and journalism at her alma mater, St. Anthony School. Established in 1848, this Catholic institution educates preschoolers through high schoolers in the Marianist spirit.

Rodriguez said she’s grateful for the dedication of her education professors at Brogan Hall.

Shea Rodriguez (Elementary Education '16)“I believe the Chaminade community truly reflects the aloha spirit that is apparent throughout the state of Hawaii,” Rodriguez said, “where each professor knows your name and goes the extra mile to see you succeed.

“I am also extremely grateful for Maimoa Fineisaloi and the rest of the Campus Ministry team,” Rodriguez said, “for welcoming me with the ever-apparent Marianist spirit and providing me with opportunities to nurture my spiritual growth.”

Rodriguez described Chaminade as an `ohana she’ll belong to forever.

“I am thankful for the opportunities I was provided with,” Rodriguez said, “and the connections I have made and continue to keep.”

Chaminade University’s Division of Education offers undergraduate degrees in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education and Secondary Education. For graduate students, the division offers Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Education programs.

Bro. Allen Pacquing New Director of Campus Ministry

Bro. Allen Pacquing, S.M.Chaminade University has a new director of Campus Ministry: Bro. Allen Pacquing, S.M. The Kalihi native and Saint Louis School graduate succeeded Danny O’Regan, who held the position since 2012.

Prior to his current role, Bro. Allen served as Chaminade’s Minister of Liturgy and Worship and coordinated the Tutoring Center at the Office of Retention, Advising and Career Preparation.

“I’m honored and excited to lead Campus Ministry,” said Bro. Allen, who took his vows as a Marianist in 2015. “College provides a wonderful opportunity for personal and spiritual growth. Accordingly, our team offers support and guidance to students of all faiths and traditions.”

Bro. Allen previously served as a liturgical ministry assistant at St. Mary’s University (Chaminade’s sister campus in San Antonio, Texas) and as a pastoral associate at Co-Cathedral of Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus in Honolulu. Also in Honolulu, he directed religious education at St. Anthony Church and School and taught religion at Damien Memorial School.

After earning a master’s degree in pastoral ministry at Santa Clara University, Bro. Allen completed additional graduate studies at Washington Theological Union. He also received a bachelor’s degree in justice administration from Hawaii Pacific University.

The mission of Campus Ministry is to intensify Chaminade’s Catholic and Marianist identity throughout the campus community. Activities include religious retreats, liturgies and opportunities for community service.

Marianist Institutions Celebrate Approval of Beatification for Venerable Mother Adele

Chaminade University and other Marianist institutions around the world are celebrating the announcement that Pope Francis has approved the beatification of Venerable Mother Adele de Batz de Trenquelleon.

Known for her devotion to the poor, Venerable Adele founded the Marianist Sisters religious congregation – also known as the Daughters of Mary Immaculate – two centuries ago in Agen, France.

Blessed Mother Adele de Batz de Trenquelleon
Blessed Mother Adele de Batz de Trenquelleon

When her beatification ceremony occurs next year, Venerable Adele will be officially declared “Blessed,” as was Marianist founder William Joseph Chaminade in 2000.

The beatification of Venerable Adele means “anything she said or taught becomes part of the Christian message,” points out Father Paul Fitzpatrick, an associate professor with Chaminade’s Division of Humanities and Fine Arts.

Pope Francis signed the Decree of Beatification on May 4 following confirmation of a miraculous cure attributed to the intercession of Venerable Adele. This healing of Sister Michela Messina, a missionary with the Daughters of Mary Immaculate, occurred in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Novara in northwest Italy.

For the Pope to canonize Venerable Adele as a saint, another confirmed miracle – one that cannot be explained by science or medicine – would be required.

Born in 1789 in southwestern France, Venerable Adele as a teenager formed an association of women and local priests who supported each other in leading Christian lives. With the guidance of Blessed Chaminade, this association evolved into the Marianist Sisters.

Venerable Adele remained active with the religious order until her death in 1828 at the age of 38.